There can be a number of causes of anemia in horses. The following are a few of the most common causes: severe blood loss, hemorrhaging, strongylus vulgaris, bloodsucking parasites (internal and external), iron deficiency, over training, vitamin and mineral deficiencies/poor nutrition, stress, cancer (EIA), toxins from eating red leaf maple, pregnancy, viruses, infections, bleeding ulcers.

As soon as you notice any signs of anemia, it is important to take the horse to the veterinarian’s office as soon as possible. There, they can diagnose anemia very easily. The vet can draw blood and have a corpuscle count done, both white and red.

The treatment of anemia in horses usually involves providing the animal with supplements of nutrients it is lacking, such as iron. Vitamins like Vitamin C, which help in the uptake of iron, and Vitamin B12, are also provided. Meeting the animals’ appropriate nutritional requirements in the first place will help prevent anemia.